The focus of this course is the literacy development of the pre-K-3 child. The course covers the developmental process of literacy acquisition and the use of appropriate methods, models, and strategies for encouraging literacy growth. Early literacy concepts of phonemic awareness, word identification, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension cultural and linguistic diversity, and language differences and delays are examined. The role of parents, community, and assessment tools will be explored. Additional emphasis will be placed on the effects of poverty, culture, diversity, nutrition, language development and hearing issues. Prerequisite: 255 or concurrent.